Expanding what we mean when we say 'diversity' (By Frances Akridge)

Enough already! Why do people pay $2,000 tuition to talk about diversity for six days through Leadership Huntsville, and why are we, collectively, still limiting diversity to race relations?

Here are 10 other "D" words we can investigate, for a lot less money, more fun, and, I wager, better returns.

1. Dale Carnegie

This famous course gives us practice in effective communications and human relations. In it, we adopt common sense, resulting in a respectful home and workplace. If every councilman, every business leader, and every Little League coach graduates from this course, we'll see more people living by the Golden Rule. We might even begin to see more people use a turn signal while driving on the Parkway!

2. Dirty laundry

The common denominator of mankind: scanky underpants. Let's conduct City Council meetings at the Laundromat to remind ourselves that we all put our pants on one leg at a time and only laundry should be sorted. Here, we experience my father's guidance that "we are just a bunch of humans doing the best we can."

3. Dance lessons

When we learn to dance in partnership, we communicate. A follower missed the lead; the leader tries another way. A leader isn't clear; the follower waits for clarity. The leader puts aside his self-centered notions and listens to the music. Now, they live in the moment and WOW! Sublime communion. Better than counseling.

4. Ditch our church

Hanging out with the same group of people every week can lead to intolerance. Our presence in a different church lets others know that we are listening, which is a powerful tool for peace. If you are among the Frozen Chosen, step into a gospel church where you can express joy from the inside out. Also, shouldn't Christians set foot at least once in a temple with Jews?

5. Deborah Tannen, Ph.D.

Tannen's books explain the use of language in various cultures: exactly why men loath asking for directions, the disastrous conversation in the cockpit just before an airplane crash, and why the words "aren't you going to chill the wine?" can lead to a riff in a family. And, since family is the foundation of our society, shall we focus on improving our conversations there? I need to!

6. Drive to five different city parks

A young father was at Oak Park recently; he was on an adventure with his 3-year-old daughter, visiting five different city parks in one day. She will joyfully and gracefully navigate new environments as an adult.

7. Develop our vocabulary

The sound of the new words is enough to wake up our brain and lets others know that we appreciate the miracle of language. Let's also learn how to say "good morning" in five languages. It's a start.

8. Dinners by design

Jason and Missy Mishtawy set the precedent, hosting an annual foreign food cook-off at home. Guests are eager to shop in a Middle Eastern store for prime ingredients to win the award. Blow off the BBQ festival and sample foods at the next International Festival of North Alabama or the semi-annual East Indian Festival.

9. Dia de los Muertos

Let's explore the culture of Mexican people, but instead of only snarfing on cheesy glop, let's do this thing called Day of the Dead in the fall. This, and the Japanese festival of Obon, are joyous family and harvest festivals to honor the deceased. Think if it: banana pudding topped with candy skulls, set out in honor of our beloved grandparents.

10. Dogs

If people bug you too much, adopt and train mixed-breed dogs. The skill of clear, patient communications with scrappy canine friends will enhance your appreciation of the wonderful differences in people, too. In the end, knowledge of the mix of breeds doesn't matter; they are all dogs.

After adopting one of these categories, ban the "D word" from our lexicon. At least, when we mention diversity, as it relates to respect for people, let's agree not to limit it to racial relations. Instead, let's agree that diversity means we are challenging ourselves to develop self-respect and respect for others. Even for people of the same race.